[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 1, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19252-19253]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-10785]



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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request; Disaster Food Stamp Assistance

AGENCY: Food and Consumer Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment 
on proposed information collections. This information collection is 
based on the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act and Section 5(h) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as 
amended, which provide the Secretary of Agriculture with the authority 
to develop an emergency food stamp program to address the needs of 
families temporarily in need of food assistance after a disaster. The 
information collection under this notice is required for the 
establishment and operation of emergency food stamp assistance 
programs.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before July 1, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection 
of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions 
of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to 
minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are 
to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to Margaret 
Werts Batko, Acting Chief, Certification Policy Branch, Program 
Development Division, Food and Consumer Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of 
public record.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Requests for additional information should be 
directed to Margaret Werts Batko (703) 305-2516.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Title: Emergency Food Stamp Assistance for Victims of Disasters.
    OMB Number: 0584-0336.
    Form Number: Not a form.
    Expiration Date: 6/30/96.
    Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information 
collection.
    Abstract: Pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
Emergency Assistance Act and Section 5(h) of the Food Stamp Act of 
1977, as amended, the Secretary of Agriculture has the authority to 
develop an emergency food stamp program to address the temporary food 
needs of families following a disaster. The information collection 
under this notice is required to be provided by households in order to 
determine eligibility for emergency food stamp benefits as the result 
of the disaster.
    The number of disasters that occur annually and the average number 
of households affected cannot be accurately predicted. When the 
estimate for OMB No. 0584-0336 was approved on June 25, 1995, an annual 
average of two States were predicted to be hit with a disaster, with an 
estimated number of affected households of 4,000 and burden hours of 
2,789. These estimates represent an average based on disaster food 
stamp participation reports for a total of five disasters that occurred 
in 1989, 1990, and 1991.
    In reviewing the number of disasters for the last three years, we 
found the number of disasters had increased dramatically. In 1992 there 
were five disasters and the number of disaster-affected households 
ranged from 70 to 206,735. In 1993, there were three disasters and the 
number of disaster-affected households ranged from 5,307 to 17,741. In 
1994, there were three disasters, and the number of disaster-affected 
households ranged from 897 to 242,834. Due to the increase in the 
number of disasters and disaster-affected households, we realized that 
the June 1993 reporting burden was no longer accurate. We calculated 
the reporting hours for FY 95 based on disaster reports for the years 
1990 to 1995. Based on this data, the average number of respondents has 
increased from 4,000 to 115,475. Therefore, the reporting burden for FY 
95 has increased to 48,114 hours. We expect

[[Page 19253]]

the reporting burden for FY 96 and FY 97 should remain the same as FY 
95.
    Affected Public: Food Stamp recipients; State and local 
governments.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 115,475.
    Estimated Time per Response: 25 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: 48,114 hours.

    Dated: April 23, 1996.
William E. Ludwig,
Administrator, Food and Consumer Service.
[FR Doc. 96-10785 Filed 4-30-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-30-U